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Star Dame Patricia Routledge, renowned for embodying Hyacinth Bucket in the beloved TV sitcom the series Keeping Up Appearances, has died at the age of 96, her agent announced.

Beyond that, she featured in monologues by Alan Bennett and took on the role of the BBC's amateur detective Hetty Wainthropp.

"It is with great sadness to announce the death of Dame Patricia Routledge, who passed away peacefully in her sleep recently with loved ones near."

"At the remarkable age of 96, Dame Patricia's love for performing and for engaging with theatergoers remained strong, just as younger viewers have continued to find her through her popular television roles."

The announcement noted: "She will be dearly missed by her family and friends and by her dedicated supporters around the world."

An Illustrious Career

Patricia Routledge was best known as Hyacinth Bucket - pronounced "bouquet" - a comic creation who embodied the peak of British social climbing.

"Hyacinth is a terrible snob and I had great fun with the role immensely," the star remarked.

Keeping Up Appearances aired from the early 1990s, and soon after she was named the most beloved female performer at the BBC's 60th anniversary awards.

Beyond television, she earned praise on stage as well as screen after launching her acting journey in the theatre in the 1950s.

After appearances in London's West End, she established herself in the America when she won the Tony for leading musical performer on Broadway in New York for the musical Darling of the Day in the late 1960s.

She was as adept at serious drama as she was at musicals and comedy - she appeared in Richard III and Henry V at the Royal Shakespeare Company, then won an Olivier Award for leading musical actress for Candide in the 1980s decade.

The 80s also marked her rise as a household name - receiving parts by comedian Victoria Wood in her comedy series, and Alan Bennett in his acclaimed monologue series, including her Bafta-nominated role, for which she earned a British Academy nomination.

She earned more award nominations, for her Hyacinth role, in the early 1990s, then starred in the title role as a older lady on a mission to investigate mysteries in the series Hetty Wainthropp Investigates between 1996 to 1998.

She was honored with an Order of the British Empire in 1993, a Commander of the British Empire in 2004, and the title of Dame in 2017.

A Remarkable Life

Through her iconic performances, Dame Patricia Routledge brought laughter and joy to millions, establishing a rich career portfolio that will continue to be celebrated by fans for years ahead.